Nicole turned her attention to the game and couldn’t keep her eyes off of Ariana. They watched in silence as she passed to her open teammates, took shots, and also orchestrated the defense.
“She is beauty in motion,” Nicole said, staring at the screen.
“Are you saying that as a broadcaster or as a woman?”
Nicole jumped in surprise. “Did I say that out loud?”
Stuart chuckled. “Yep. So? Broadcaster or woman?”
Nicole raised her brows. “Both.”
She turned back to the TV and watched for the things she’d told Ariana about yesterday at her apartment. Nicole widened her eyes and stood up when Ariana dribbled down the court, passed to Nia, and the defense collapsed down on her. Nia passed back to Ariana and Nicole yelled, “Take the shot!”
She cheered loudly when Ariana did just that and the ball went through the hoop.
Stuart had gotten up to wait on several customers and rejoined her as the fourth quarter started.
“Why don’t you stay after the game is over?” Stuart said. “They’ll be coming here to celebrate.”
“I don’t know,” Nicole said hesitantly. “She needs to celebrate with them.”
“Seeing her and congratulating her for a couple of minutes won’t take her away from the team,” Stuart said. “Imagine her surprise.”
“And the happiness on her face,” Nicole murmured.
Stuart nodded. “She loved your note, but seeing you would be much better.”
Nicole grinned. “We’ll see.”
They watched the rest of the game and New York won. Ariana had another great game with twenty-two points, twelve assists, and four steals.
“They’ll be here before you know it,” Stuart said. “Come sit here at the end of the bar and you can watch the door. I have the back room reserved for them, so her teammates shouldn’t see you.”
Nicole settled in and looked around the bar. Most of the tables were occupied and there were only a couple of empty stools at the bar. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She wasn’t sure this was a good idea. Ariana knew she was leaving early in the morning for Dallas and probably assumed that Nicole would have watched the game from her apartment.
Stuart set another beer down in front of her and Nicole took a long drink. Why was she suddenly nervous? Ariana might not even come to the bar. Not all the players celebrated after a win.
Sure enough, Nicole soon saw three of Ariana’s teammates come through the door all smiles. They waved at Stuart and he pointed to the back room.
A few minutes later, Cameron came in with Ariana behind her.
Nicole smiled at this opportunity to gaze at Ariana unaware. She held the door for another teammate to enter and started towards the back room. Nicole watched as Ariana glanced towards the bar then stopped. When her eyes met Nicole’s she witnessed shock on Ariana’s face quickly followed by delight.
Ariana walked towards her, the smile growing on her face. When she reached Nicole she stopped and looked to her right and left with uncertainty now on her face.
“It’s okay,” Nicole said, reaching out and squeezing her forearm. “Another great game and win!”
Ariana was so excited she grabbed Nicole by the shoulders. “Did you see? It worked just like you said it would. The defense collapsed down on Nia and she kicked it out to me.”
Nicole grinned, Ariana’s excitement was contagious. “You took the shot!” she exclaimed.
“I took the shot.” Ariana laughed.
Nicole could see the realization of where they were cross Ariana’s face and she dropped her hands. “What are you doing here?”
“I met Kate for a drink and Stuart convinced me to watch the game here,” Nicole explained. “I wanted to congratulate you.”
“This is the best surprise!”
